After The Blizzard

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Dear Sisters,

By now I’m sure you’ve all heard about the Blizzard that came through New England earlier this week. I hope my East coast sisters are all okay! Many were without power but not as many as the Blizzard of 2013 where thousands went without power for several days. We were lucky in that respect. We had plenty of good comfort food, heat and movies to keep us happily occupied while the snow blew (sideways) outside our door for more than 24 hours straight! When the wind and snow finally stopped we had accumulated over 2 feet of snow! You’ll be relieved to know that the ” girls” came through another nor’easter with flying colors but the greenhouse and our deck gazebo didn’t stand a chance against the 50 -70 mph gusts that hurled against them non-stop for 24 hours straight. I’m afraid it’s NOT pretty. 

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My handsome Yankee shoveled pathways to every door as well as along the side of the house and through the garden to the coop! The snow drifts were just too high to go right through the backyard like we normally do!

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Just the tips of these two wrought iron garden chairs which sit on our patio off of our back deck were visible right after the storm.

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The greenhouse really took a beating as well. We knew it was going to be quite a sight once we could get out to it. The cover is in tatters, and every metal pole is bent or broken. I don’t know how it stayed anchored through those gale force winds but it did! Thank God or we would have had seed pots and trays, watering cans and lord knows what else spread out all over the neighborhood.

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The outside gave every indication that we would find snow inside and, we did.

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One of the benefits of having a greenhouse is that it also doubles as storage in the off-season. I guess it could have been worse. If the cover had actually set sail as I feared it would we would have lost all of the contents but after a closer look I’m fairly certain most of it can be salvaged. Once we dust the snow off of everything we can cover things up with a large tarp for the remainder of the winter.

Come springtime we will replace the greenhouse with a small hoop house (10 x 12 or 14 feet) in the same footprint. It will be perfect for extending my growing season for herbs, flowers and veggies.

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I ALWAYS worry about my girls during severe storms, particularity blizzards because the temperatures can dip into single digits if not a little below zero with the wind-chill factor. My heart did a little happy dance when I opened the coop door and found them clucking up a storm. They were happy to see me too! Freezing water is something we have to deal with during winter so I lug fresh water out to them every day.

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Do you see what I see in the hen-house? I know!!! It’s SNOW!!! That is a first!

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The girls have a small opening on their coop door which opens into their run so they can come and go as they please. They get up before I do, so it’s only fair I leave the door open so they can go about the business of being chickens. Never, EVER has snow gotten inside the coop during a snow storm, but this blizzard was like no other we’ve experienced. The wind just didn’t let up. I’ll admit, I was a bit horrified when I saw the snow inside, but the girls didn’t make a peep about it. I swept it out and gave them another layer of fresh pine shavings to dry things out and brought out some kitchen scraps for them to munch on. See? Happy girls! Here’s a link to my first video of the girls on You Tube!

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This was our first winter with Gram’s ( Grammy Joy) dog, Barkley. He loves, loves, LOVES being outside in the snow. Once the storm had passed he kept my hubby company while he shoveled. Isn’t he handsome? And what a sweetheart. We call him ‘the bear-cub”. He’s been a complete gentlemen with Max. I wouldn’t call them the best of friends. I think It’s gonna take Max some time to warm up to the idea of another male dog in the house.

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Max was ready to get outside and kick up his short little legs in the snow after being cooped up too!

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It’s a wonder he didn’t disappear in a snow drift!

It’s always a bit stressful when we know we’re going to get slammed by a big storm.

Being prepared minimizes worry and allows you to relax and enjoy the weather.

Here’s a list of things we’ve learned to have on hand in case we lose power during a storm.

  • Flashlights
  • Battery operated candles
  • Portable power pack or back-up generator
  • Water for drinking, flushing and washing.
  • Small propane heater
  • A cooler
  • Full propane tanks for the BBQ
  • Easy prepared meals and some of ( Mary Jane’s Organic Backpacking Food)
  • Healthy snacks such as raw veggies, fruit and nuts to fill in between meals.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Brownies
  • Proper outer-wear
  • Full gas tanks in all vehicles.
  • Charged cell phones and laptops
  • Plenty of pet food
  • Fuzzy sox
  • Extra blankets and comforters
  • A sense of humor

And it always helps to be on the best of terms with your neighbors, especially

the ones who have snow blowers, if ya get my drift!

What else would you add to this list?

All in all we weathered the Blizzard of 2015 fairly well here at home. However, some of the residents in our beach community ( mostly those right on the beach ) suffered great damage do to the very high winds and high tides during the storm. Currently the road in is impassable. Once it’s safe to get to the cottage I’ll share the effects of the storm with you.

Rumor has it more snow is on the way to the coast! Time to stock up and batten down the hatches again.

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Until our next shoreline visit~ Stay safe and warm and dream of spring! It’s a comin’!

BEACH BLESSINGS and much love,

Deb # 1199

 

  1. Dori Troutman says:

    Deb, Wow… that is some pretty snow! I’m like you, I worry myself sick over my animals. It is amazing what they can take isn’t it? Your chickens look perfectly well and happy! I loved your video! Shoveling snow must be a nightmare job. I’ve NEVER done it… never lived anywhere where there was enough snow to shovel! My husband was raised in Alaska and he always talks about shoveling snow when he was a kid and how much he loved it. I think he’d be like your husband shoveling paths to every door and to the animals! Glad you and your household are safe and warm. Hugs – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      It is pretty snow, especially when it’s fresh! Shoveling isn’t so bad when it’s light and fluffy… you can hear the crunch of snow under your feet and the air is so pure. It’s the heavier slushy stuff that’s a bear to shovel and more dangerous too. Being a native Nevadan I’m used to 4 seasons and snow. I think I would miss it if I didn’t see it at least once in a winter. I hear from my relatives out West that they are having a drought year. Not much snow in the mountains and nothing on the valley floor as of yet. Having enough water is always a major concern there. NOT so here! Thanks for the warm winter wishes! Hugs! Deb

  2. susana says:

    Sorry to hear of your dreadful weather….we usually get what you got…I’m thankful when I don’t have to shovel three feet of that nasty white fluff! But I’m grateful, that when it does get that high, my neighbor comes and blows the/snow away for us. I’m had you didnt lose your gardening ‘stuff’. It can get expensive replacing it. I’m fortunate, we only gt an inch of snow! But I did lose a few shingle off my tool she and hope t can wait at least until spring ‘ when it gets a little warmer before it as rains so I can replace those shingles.
    As for…stocking up, I always have canned goods on hand acted up…plenty of canned fruit nand veggies on hand, and of course bread and peanut butter and eggs in the winter time…plus candles and matches. I have a generator, but I’m thankful I haven’t had to use it. I worry more about the spring thaw or a heat/wave/and we end up with water in our
    /basement again. Or dealing with fungus again! Byt I hate winter the most because it keeps us indoors. I try and stay busy.
    I love to see your chickens…I wouldn’t sorry about them as long as they have plenty if hay fir their besting area. I have never heard of any chickens/dying from snow. They are pretty girls! Its one thing I miss from my farming past…having fresh eggs every day! ( we do have a friend that/has chickens and when we visit him, he always sends us packing with a Couple dozen. There’s nothing like fresh eggs that have hard shells and a sweeter yolk than store bought eggs! ) Oh, for the good ole days of getting up at the/crack of dawn just to get those pearly white and corn fed eggs! Hunkering down….snow is coming, as were getting a few flurries…One inch so far….love it when I dont see the dirty trash cans on garbage/day…30 degrees here…. our heat wave as were generally in the single digits in January, but dont worry spring will vome early this year….been smelling the musky critters in the sewers….when we smell them, they are active….they only come UP when its warm or when we are going to get an early spring! Spring will definitely come early this year. Muskrats are MoRE precise about predicting spring than ground hogs!

  3. CJ Armstrong says:

    That’s a lot of snow! We’ve had that much here in Colorado in the past and it’s not abnormal but it’s been a while. I”m glad you all came through without too much stress.
    Think of all that water for your garden . . 😀
    We’ve not had normal snowfall this year. It is starting to snow a little now and we really hope it dumps BIG snow in the mountains which is where we REALLY need it! We always look to our mountains and how much snow is there and how long it stays there for hope for our irrigation season.
    Stay warm and safe!
    CJ

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi CJ! It sure is! I know the west is suffering through a dryer winter…We always looked to our Sierra Nevada’s for providing water for our area as well. I remember well, many years of water rationing for watering lawns and gardens. We had drip lines for the gardens. One thing New England isn’t short on is WATER! It’s a blessing for my flowers! Stay warm and thanks so much for the visit! xo Deb

  4. Bonnie says:

    Hi Deb,
    Thank you for your entertaining report. I’m glad to know you survived the storm with minimal damage!
    Bonnie, in Oregon

  5. Teresa Dempsey says:

    Love seeing all the beautiful snow, it reminds me of the days growing up in the Midwest where we had some beautiful blizzards. I now live in the hills of Tennessee where we get snow but usually is gone in a day or two. I also have chickens and for our nights that get below freezing I ordered a large heated dog dish and hooked it up in their playpen, it works great. Stay Warm..

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Teresa,
      It’s not everyone who can appreciate the beauty of a blizzard… but it IS beautiful!I’ll have to look into your headed dog dish. Sounds great! Enjoy your mild winter in Tennessee! xo Deb

  6. Sandi O'Connor says:

    Hello across the Bay! Glad you too came through that big storm. Although we’re not totally dug out yet, it rained today with hopes of a thaw and melt. Alas it’s dipping down to 17 degrees tonight. (moan) I too have a shoveled path to the bird feeder. Thankfully the kitties are inside and enjoy watching the birds too. Now, to dig the camper out of the snowdrift! We leave in two weeks heading South, hope it’s all melted then! Keep warm!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Sandi! It’s raining here too and we’re hoping for some snow melt as well! Lucky you to be heading south soon! Stay Warm! xo Deb

  7. Linda Nelson says:

    Love and appreciate this post, as I too, was gifted two+ feet of snow. Loved the video of the girls. Many years ago I had a pet white Plymouth Rock hen. Adored her. She was always welcome to come into the house; she’d go straight to the refrigerator! Have you ever considered slipping a microwavable pet heating disk underneath the water trough? It can maintain its heat for up to 12 hours. Too bad about your greenhouse, but it sounds like you are on to a bigger and better option. How wonderful.

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi there, Linda! So glad you came by to say hello. you know, I’ve just been in the habit of bringing water out to the girls over the years, but having to worry a little less about them would be a GOOD THING. Perhaps this is the year I’ll actually do SOMETHING about that! Stay warm and dry! xo Deb

  8. glenda woodward says:

    I am so glad that you are alright. I wondered. Do you miss the desert when it is like that , all snowy and everything ? Just looking at your pics made me cold. Your chickens are lucky girls. I worry in the summer about the heat. We have never had snow stay on the ground here. I do like a bit of snow as long as it is not enough to shovel.
    Spring is just around the corner. Fresh eggs ! Take care and tuck in. G
    btw we had a small earthquake yesterday not enough so most would notice. I’m kind of like a dog when it comes to that. I feel them before they hit.

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Glenda! Thanks so much for your concern! We had snow in the high desert in Nevada also which I loved. But it wasn’t this intense usually. The mountains usually get most of the snowfall there. I grew up with snow so I guess I’m used to it! I’m ready for fresh eggs too! I used to have premonitions about earthquakes when I lived out west! Maybe I’m part ‘ dog ” too! 😉 be well my friend! xo Deb

  9. Gayle says:

    Don’t forget any medicines that are needed by pets and humans. This is pretty much what I have on my hurricane list here on the Gulf Coast(Orange Beach,Alabama). I have a plastic tub also with important papers..deeds, insurance, passports, birth certificates, photos that can not be replaced, etc. for a get away or to protect from water damage. So glad to hear of your “survival”. Sunny here, 61degrees in house without heater on and 39 degrees with 35 degree wind chill outside! Happy Saturday and give your girls my love. Someone in Alabama loves to hear about them!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Gosh Gail! You are so right! It’s smart to have important papers and medicines at the ready as well..I’ll give the girls your love!! xo Deb

  10. Raynita says:

    Wow, Deb! Just read this. It is beautiful but so sorry for the damage. Love your positive outlook though! We have had a mild winter so far here in Oklahoma, but we still have a lot of days left. We can have doozies in March. Your girls look happy and pretty. Stay warm and dream of happy flowers and veggies!!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Raynita! Thanks for the well wishes… All in all both the greenhouse and the gazebo were on their last leg… the blizzard just helped them along to their natural ending!
      Stay warm and enjoy your winter at the Lee Lodge!
      Hugs, Deb

  11. Linda Brodersen says:

    I live in Clay Center, KS. & grew up near the N-E part of Nebraska. I love, love snow. We haven’t had what you had, but I’d take a couple feet of it.

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Well, if I could send you a couple of feet I surely would Linda! We are expecting 18 more inches starting late tonight! xo Deb

  12. Penny says:

    Snowstorms make the best “good ol day” stories. Why I remember when we had to park our vehicles a mile away and walk home for a week straight. That was just 8 years ago. 2006-2007 was a winter to remember in South Dakota, caused a lot of flooding in the spring, and left many scarred as we sure didn’t want to go thru that again any time soon! The best snowstorms are those where you don’t even think about going anywhere and just nestle in until it’s over.

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      I agree, Penny! ” The best snowstorms are those where you don’t even think about going anywhere and just nestle in until it’s over”. Stay warm! xo Deb

  13. Hi Deb, glad to hear yall are ok, and the snow is pretty but I am sure it is alot of strenuous exercise on your handsome yankee. 🙂 For sure Spring will come and we will be playing in the dirt again soon along with your girls. I have a heated waterer for my chickens I got at tractor supply, and the heat doesnt come on until the temp drops 32 or below, so my chickens always have fresh thawed water. cost was $50. Keep warm and be Blessed, Neta.

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